Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Surfing Helped Super Corgi Jojo Heal From a Dog Attack

Jojo the Corgi is a big shot on the social media circuit — not least because of his ability to surf. Yep, you can often find this small pooch tackling some of the biggest waves in the ocean as he charms fans and spectators with his daredevil adventures on the water. But after checking in with his owner, it also turns out there’s a drama-packed backstory that inspired this dog’s on-board moves.

Jojo’s story: Part one

If you take a quick glance at Jojo’s social media presence, you’ll come across a seemingly happy-go-lucky dog. But his real story starts in a much more dramatic way, as his owner recalls.

“My husband was deployed overseas, and Jojo and I wanted to go to Balboa Dog Park. We were locking up the apartment, and as we closed the doors, two dogs got loose from upstairs.”

“The dogs were large and ferocious and attacked Jojo and I,” his owner says.

“I escaped with only stitches, but Jojo needed surgery to survive. My husband and I spent the money we were going to have a wedding with to save Jojo’s life. It took weeks of healing, but Jojo could barely walk.”

Jojo’s story: Part two

As Jojo’s humans spent more and more money on aqua therapy to help his recovery, they realized that the Pacific Ocean could fulfill the same function — and for free.

“One day at the beach, my husband got tired from swimming, so he put Jojo on the surfboard while they were out in the water,” his owner says. “A wave came, and Jojo took it all the way to the sand!”

“It was amazing to watch this little Corgi ride these 7-foot waves to the beach.”

After that, they kept practicing until Jojo became a pro, while also saving his own life: “He got his mobility back in his legs and lost the weight he gained after the attack, from swimming and surfing.”

Oh, and for good measure, Jojo has since added snowboarding to his repertoire.

Have you ever seen a dog surf?

The jaw-dropping sight of Jojo out riding the waves always “brings a smile to every person.” His owner adds, “Some people even swim out to ask questions or get close to take selfies. He’s a showstopper.”

Introducing Super Jojo!

The full and proper title of Jojo’s Instagram account is Super Corgi Jojo. But what exactly would this pup’s superpowers be?

“Jojo has the superpower of smile,” says his owner. “He can walk down a sidewalk and brighten someone’s day by his smile. We have gotten a million emails saying how his smile is the highlight of someone’s day.”

“We volunteer, and someone could be having the worst of days, but one smile from Jojo makes everything seem nonexistent.”

“To go from being on his deathbed to being the dog he is today is a true special power of overcoming all odds,” concludes his owner. “They said we would be lucky if he ever walked again — and now he’s surfing better than humans.”